Joseph R. McLaughlin, 72, of Superior, died Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, surrounded by his family.

Joseph had lived at St. Joseph's Orphanage until moving in with his foster parents, Don and Marylee Dodge.

He graduated from Superior East High School and then enlisted in the Navy. He served on a commercial submarine out of San Diego and patrolled the shores off Vietnam.

He retired from Murphy Oil as a Shift Foreman. Joe enjoyed coaching Pee Wee Boys Baseball and running SAHA Hockey tournaments. He also belonged to the Nemadji Men's Golf Club.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Margaret, and foster father Don.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; children, Kevin and Shawn; grandchildren, Kelly, Kayla, Danika, and Chesare; siblings, John, James, Mary, Judith, Donald and Marlys; his foster mother, Marylee; and foster siblings, Leanne, Carolyn, Maureen and Mike.

Visitation will begin on Friday April 8th from 4:00pm until the 6:00pm funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Rev. Daniel Dahlberg will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery at a later date.